DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Over the past fortnight, at least six infants in the Gaza Strip have tragically succumbed to hypothermia as reported by Palestinian medics. The region witnesses hundreds of thousands of individuals residing in makeshift camps and war-affected buildings during an uneasy ceasefire.
Recent days have seen a steep drop in temperatures across this coastal region. Winters here are characterized by cold, wet conditions, with nighttime temperatures plunging below 10 degrees Celsius (50 F), coupled with storms sweeping in from the Mediterranean.
Dr. Ahmed al-Farah, the head of the pediatric department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, revealed that a 2-month-old girl’s body was delivered to their facility on Tuesday. The girl’s father, Yusuf al-Shinbat, recounted his painful discovery of her lifeless body early in the morning, reflecting on the joy she brought him just a day prior.
Al-Farah noted that two more infants were treated for frostbite at the hospital. While one was later discharged, the other remained in intensive care. He described one infant’s condition as critical, with a very low body temperature and blue discoloration.
In northern Gaza, Dr. Saeed Salah of the Patient’s Friends Hospital reported five infants, all one month old or younger, dying from cold exposure over the past two weeks. One was a 1-month-old who passed away on Monday, and another has been placed on a ventilator. These infants were found in camps and shelter-converted schools bereft of electricity, fuel, or heating sources.
According to Zaher al-Wahedi from the Gaza Health Ministry’s records department, hypothermia has claimed the lives of 15 children in the region this winter. Although the ceasefire has enabled increased delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly food, there remains a dire shortage of blankets, warm clothing, and wood for warming.
Gaza’s lack of central electricity since the war’s early days and the scarcity of fuel for generators force many to sleep on damp sand or bare concrete floors. “It’s incredibly cold,” remarked Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for the United Nations children’s agency, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The recent ceasefire paused a harrowing 16-month conflict between Israel and Hamas militants. This offensive had devastating impacts, reducing extensive parts of Gaza to rubble. Those returning under the truce have had to make do in shattered landscapes. The current ceasefire’s initial segment is set to conclude on Saturday, with uncertainties looming over its extension. A potential resumption of hostilities could severely hinder the influx of humanitarian relief.
Even if the ceasefire lasts, the restoration of Gaza remains uncertain. The World Bank estimates that reconstruction costs exceed $50 billion with rubble clearance alone taking years. Israel attributes the destruction to Hamas, alleging they located military operations within residential zones.
Accusations by Hamas against Israel claim delays in mobile home and tent entries, a point Israel refutes, instead blaming Hamas for breaching the truce. Tensions escalated when Israel stalled releasing Palestinian prisoners, objecting to Hamas showcasing hostages publicly during their liberation.
The conflict began with an attack by Hamas-led forces on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of roughly 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of about 250 hostages, over 60 of whom remain captive, and many presumed dead. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military operations have led to over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly of women and children, while Israel claims to have neutralized over 17,000 militants, with evidence yet to be supplied.
